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Phone call from parent busts school drug ring

Ten Farmington students implicated in case, officials say

Sunday, November 09, 2008

An investigation stemming from a concerned parent has resulted in at least 10 Farmington High School students being accused of violating district or state drug policies and laws.

The district confirmed this week that an investigation was done Oct. 13-14, following a phone call from a parent. The subsequent investigation turned up a quantity of prescription medications and one other illegal substance. The search turned up evidence of drug activity in addition to finding the actual drugs.

At least 10 students were tied to the illegal distribution, possession or use of controlled substances, district officials said.

“Every time there is a suspicion or information of someone involved with drugs, there is an investigation and the policy and procedures are followed fully to provide a safe environment for students,” said high school Principal Matt Ruble.

It’s believed the students involved were questioned by juvenile officials and additionally each student faces consequences according to the student handbook. A handbook is given to every student at the beginning of the school year, and each student is asked to sign a note acknowledging receipt and understanding of the school’s policies.

“Concerns were reported to the high school administration, and it was important to deal with the students involved and make the school a safe environment,” added Cindy Presnell, director of Student Services. “Homes with prescription drugs need to be monitored more by their families.”

The juvenile department is dealing with the legal aspects of the investigation. As for the school disciplining the students, the high school administration is only allowed to hand out up to 10 days of suspension.

In more extreme cases, a recommendation is sent to the upper administration of what the penalty should be for offenses. Penalties handed down by upper administration can exceed that doled out by the high school administration. Students are able to appeal suspensions for more than 10 days.

Missouri Third District Senator Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, and Missouri 106th District Representative Dr. Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, worked on a bill a couple years ago that is tougher on teens who abuse prescription drugs. Governor Matt Blunt signed the bill that prevents students from sharing prescription medications at school.

The bill prohibits the distribution of prescription medication on school property to anyone who doesn’t have a prescription for it.

“The largest growing problem with students now is prescription drugs, and they are getting them from their families — and the pills are not prescribed for them — and then going and selling them to other students,” said Engler.

According to research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, the study found that 12- to 17-year-old students abusing prescription drugs was up 212 percent from 1992 to 2003.

“They wanted to make it illegal for people to sell prescription medicine for those it is not intended for,” said Engler of the relatively new legislation.

“The biggest problem students face is legal drugs they get illegally. Kevin and I worked on a bill to pass to help kids stay away from drugs that are not prescribed for them. If they are not under a doctors care, it can cause problems,” said Tilley. “With the help of the leaders in the community (we also) set up this bill to help students get the help they need for an addiction if they have one.”